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Information for patients about inflammatory bowel disease
J C Mansfield1, A R Tanner, M G Bramble
1Endoscopy Centre, South Cleveland Hospital, Middlesbrough.
Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) need better information. This study found that medical professionals often miss opportunities to educate patients about IBD and support resources.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Patient Education
- Health Communication
Background:
- Effective long-term management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) relies on patients understanding their condition.
- Patient comprehension of IBD, its treatments, and available support networks is crucial for adherence and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the quality and extent of information provided to IBD patients regarding their condition, treatment options, and the National Association for Colitis and Crohn's disease (NACC).
- To identify gaps in patient education within outpatient settings and propose improvements for information delivery.
Main Methods:
- Two anonymous questionnaire surveys were conducted: one with NACC members in north-east England and another with patients attending medical outpatient clinics.
- Data collected focused on patient awareness of the NACC, desired information levels, and clarity of relapse management instructions.
Main Results:
- More patients learned about the NACC through media than medical sources.
- 75% of patients in clinics desired more information about their IBD.
- Less than half of patients were informed about patient associations, and relapse instructions varied significantly.
Conclusions:
- Outpatient clinics represent a missed opportunity for educating IBD patients.
- Clinicians frequently fail to inform patients about the NACC, particularly those with chronic disease.
- Prioritizing patient information on IBD and establishing clear audit standards for outpatient information delivery are recommended.